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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Still need a Valentine's day present for your sweetie? Given that tomorrow is the big day, you're running out of time.

But if you live or work in Detroit, you're in luck: with the convenience of the many stores centrally located at the Renaissance Center, shopping for presents just got a whole lot easier.

Packed with unique gift ideas for all ages and budgets, the shops at the RenCen are the ideal destination to find the perfect something for that special someone this Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few of my top picks from this unique and convenient Detroit venue:

Pure Detroit: Your gal or female friend is sure to love one of Motor City Handbags' sassy seatbelt purses, which run from $104 for a bag and $75 for a wallet. Other favorite show-your-Detroit-pride picks include a Detroit Love T-Shirt for $20, an “I Heart Detroit” mug for $7.99 and a Cadillac seatbelt for $22.

Bon Bons Candy and Godiva Chocolatier: This store has it all, from an extensive collection of Godiva® chocolates to sweet treats fit for the bedroom. A great choice is the chocolate Loverboy or Lovergirl -- a man or woman made of delicious dark chocolate! These delectable treats will fulfill your every desire, plus they’re sweet and won't ever cheat. At just $9.95 each, the price is sweet, too.

Pangborn Design Collection: Designed by Detroit’s own Dominic Pangborn, the vivid-colored scarves and ties at this RenCen shop are a great gift for the man who likes to stand out in a crowd. Created from 100 percent silk and are available in an array of eye-catching colors and patterns, Pangborn's catchy creations range from $65-$85.

Cherylynn’s Gold Crown Hallmark: Cherylynn’s Hallmark turns traditional items like mugs and baseballs into heart-warming gifts for the coffee or baseball aficionado in your life. Grey’s Anatomy's “McDreamy” is the inspiration behind the catchy pink and red words etched on the McHottie and McSteamy mugs, which run for $7.50 each. And what Detroit Tigers fan wouldn’t appreciate an “MVP of My Heart” baseball ($10) to remind him just how special he is? Other options here include candles, stuffed animals, crystal and specialty jewelry. Whatever you do, make sure to get a Valentine's Day card for your sweetie while you're here, too.

None of those gifts suit your fancy? Other options at the Shops at the RenCen include Ashley's Flowers (Level 1, Tower 100 or in the Millender Center),Costa D'Oro Jewelers (Level 2, Millender Center) and Scentsations Fragrance & Crystal Boutique (Level A, GM Wintergarten).Through February 14, the Ren Cen shops are offering free wrapping at the Gift Wrapping Station, located in the GM Wintergarden. When turned into the station, a single Ren Cen Shop receipt of at least $25 entitles you to a box of Godiva Chocolates.